da realsbet： West Ham travel to Old Trafford this weekend hoping to build some necessary breathing space between themselves and the relegation zone. Three points could prove invaluable to the east Londoners in their fight for survival.
da betcris： The Hammers currently sit in 17th position and remain the second worst defensive unit in the Premier League. It’s certainly a cause for concern, but against Man United, Slaven Bilic faces an opponent suffering from a lack of confidence, which perfectly suits the Croatian manager.
United are struggling to mount a genuine title challenge and have recorded just one victory at Old Trafford since the derby defeat to Manchester City in September.
Meanwhile, the Irons have mustered just one away win all season and are struggling to recapture the form showed last term.
For Bilic to overcome Mourinho on Sunday, he must pick this starting XI…
GK: Darren Randolph
Following the poor run of form from Adrian, Darren Randolph deserves his opportunity between the sticks.
Last weekend against Tottenham, Randolph performed reasonably well and, despite the result, he can hold his head high.
The Republic of Ireland international is experienced and a capable replacement for Adrian, and a solid performance at the Theatre of Dreams could ensure he takes the No.1 spot permanently.
RB: Alvaro Arbeloa
The former Liverpool right-back will be keen to make an impression at Old Trafford – the scene of his biggest victory as a Reds player.
Bilic recruited the defender this summer and with Sam Byram expected to miss the contest the Spaniard will be called upon.
There’re not many options for Bilic at the back, but Arbeloa has made a career out of being reliable for his managers. Anthony Martial may be licking his lips, but do not under-estimated the former Real Madrid defender.
CB: Angelo Ogbonna
Winston Reid will prove a significant loss for the Irons this Sunday following his red card against Tottenham last weekend.
In his place, Angelo Ogbonna is expected to return to the side. The Italian international is expected to come up against Zlatan Ibrahimovic with the winner of that duel likely to see his team victorious at full-time. Ogbonna needs to produce a near-perfect performance.
CB: James Collins
‘The Ginger Pele’ is a fans’ favourite in east London after spending nearly ten years over two spells with the club.
The central-defender is far beyond his prime years but his performance this weekend could prove decisive as he faces the unenviable task of stopping the United forward line.
Collins has won at Old Trafford as a player twice (once with West Ham, once with Aston Villa) making him one of two players in the Hammers squad to have done so.
LB: Aaron Cresswell
Rarely in the modern game can full-backs both attack and defend, but Aaron Cresswell can do just so.
After a long-term injury, Cresswell returned to the Hammers’ starting line-up and his presence was desperately missed. Juan Mata’s recent form will cause some concern, but in Cresswell, Bilic has one of the best left-backs in the country.
Cresswell needs to ensure his own game is close to perfect.
CM: Mark Noble
Mr. West Ham, Noble has witnessed it all in east London, and along with Collins, he has waited nine years since his last victory at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils’ biggest weakness remains their frailty in midfield, and Noble’s intensity and commitment could cause havoc for the United midfield duo.
CM: Cheikhou Kouyate
Strong, athletic, and powerful, Kouyate could further damage Paul Pogba’s reputation and highlight himself as the most powerful and dominating midfielder in England.
CAM: Manuel Lanzini
Lanzini has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League over the past twelve months and his partnership with Dimitri Payet will be significant to West Ham’s chances of survival this season.
The Argentine was incredible when the two teams met last, in May, and Bilic will be hopeful he can produce yet another top class performance, but this time at Old Trafford.
RM: Michail Antonio
The record for the most headed goals in a calendar year currently sits at eleven. Last weekend Antonio equalled that record and will be desperate to beat it as soon as possible.
West Ham’s biggest threat this weekend will be the team’s strength in the air and Slaven Bilic will undoubtedly order his side to provide Antonio with numerous opportunities to break the long-standing record.
LM: Dimitri Payet
World-class is the only way to describe Payet. Bilic’s toughest task will be attempting to keep the French international at the London Stadium.
This weekend, Payet’s influence will be key to the Irons’ chances of finally ending their recent hoodoo at Old Trafford. When Payet play’s well, West Ham play well.
ST: Andre Ayew
Following his summer move from Swansea, injuries have halted Ayew’s progression.
His return is widely welcomed as Simone Zaza is causing Hammers fans to pull their hair out in frustration. Ayew has previous experience against United and scored for Swansea against the Red Devils last season.
Ayew is capable of hurting United on their home turf, and his pace could beat the slow and ponderous United defence.